Method and System for Providing Content

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems for providing content. A selection of a single virtual channel may be received from the user. Virtual programming data for the single virtual channel may be accessed. The virtual programming data may define content to be provided over the single virtual channel. The content may be provided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation of application of U.S. application Ser. No.16/379,217, filed Apr. 9, 2019, which is a continuation of applicationof U.S. application Ser. No. 14/700,637, filed Apr. 30, 2015 (now U.S.Pat. No. 10,298,988), which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No.11/844,720, filed Aug. 24, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No. 9,049,344). Thecontents of each of the foregoing is/are hereby incorporated byreference into this application as if set forth herein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This application relates to a method and system for data signaling, andmore specifically to methods and systems for providing content.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Users may select a number of different television channels at varioustimes to view content (e.g., television shows or movies) on a displaydevice. Not all of the content may be available through a real-timebroadcast from a content source. Rather, the content may need to bedownloaded from a content source prior to viewing. The users may beinconvenienced by selecting different channels and downloading contentfrom a variety of sources when attempting to view content during aviewing session.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in thefigures of the accompanying drawings, in which like references indicatesimilar elements and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an example content system according to anexample embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example content controller that may bedeployed in the content system of FIG. 1 according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an example distribution subsystem that maybe deployed in the content system of FIG. 1 according to an exampleembodiment;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are example user interfaces that may be provided on adisplay device of the content system of FIG. 1 according to an exampleembodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating a singlevirtual channel in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIGS. 7-12 are flowcharts illustrating a method for providing contentover a single virtual channel in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are flowcharts illustrating a method for utilizing avirtual channel in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for data distribution inaccordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a block diagram of an IPTV system in which the content systemof FIG. 1 may be deployed in accordance with an example embodiment; and

FIG. 17 illustrates a diagrammatic representation of machine in theexample form of a computer system within which a set of instructions forcausing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein may be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example methods and systems for providing content are described. In thefollowing description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specificdetails are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding ofexample embodiments. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in theart that the present invention may be practiced without these specificdetails.

In an example embodiment, a content selection may be received from auser from a plurality of content sources. Virtual programming data maybe composed for a single virtual channel from the content selection.Content of the content selection may be provided over the single virtualchannel in accordance with the virtual programming data.

In an example embodiment, a selection of a single virtual channel may bereceived from the user. Virtual programming data for the single virtualchannel may be accessed. The virtual programming data may define contentto be provided over the single virtual channel. The content may beprovided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtualprogramming data.

In an example embodiment, a viewing profile may be accessed. Content maybe selected for a virtual programming data from available programmingdata of a plurality of content sources in accordance with the viewingprofile. The virtual programming data may be composed for a singlevirtual channel from the selection of the content in accordance with theviewing profile. The content may be provided over the single channel inaccordance with the virtual programming data.

In an example embodiment, available programming data may be receivedfrom a number of content sources. Virtual programming data may becomposed for a single virtual channel from the available programmingdata of the plurality of content sources. Virtual channel subscriptiondata may be accessed for the virtual programming data. The virtualchannel subscription data may include identification of one or morereceiver devices. The virtual programming data may be provided to theone or more receiver devices. The one or more receiver devices may becapable of presenting the content from the plurality of content sourcesover a single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programmingdata.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example content system 100. The content system 100includes a provider 102 that may provide a video signal having contentover a provider network 104 to a display device 106.1 and/or to adisplay device 106.2 through a receiver device 108. The content mayinclude television content, video-on-demand (VOD) content, gamingcontent, remote desktop protocol content, and/or Internet data content.Other types of content may also be provided.

The video signal may be a sequence of images and one or more associatedaudio tracks. The video signal may be a high-quality video stream (e.g.,MPEG-4) that is transcoded for distribution to the display device 106.1and/or the receiver device 108. The video signal may include standarddefinition (SD) or high definition (HD) video signals in NTSC (NationalTelevision System Committee), PAL (Phase Alternation Line), SECAM(Systeme Electronique Couleur Avec Memoire), sequence of bitmaps orother signal formats that transport a sequence of images. The form ofthe video signal may be modified to enable implementations of variousformats and resolutions. The video signal may provide a variety ofcontent types including, without limitation, television programs, music,movies, and commercials.

The provider 102 may be a television station, a broadcast network, aserver, or the like. The provider 102 may have available programmingdata (e.g., one or more available programming lists) of contentavailable from one or more content sources 112. The availableprogramming data may define the content available from a particularcontent source (e.g., a channel of television content).

Available programming data (e.g., an available programming list) may,for example, define start times, end times, content length, and an orderof the content to be presented on a broadcast channel. For example, theprogramming data of an NBC station may include all of the televisionshows available for one or more days. The available programming data maybe used by an electronic program guide (EPG) to present to a useravailable content on a particular channel.

Other types of programming data may be available from content sources.The other programming data may be organized by categories, authors,creators, keywords, tags, and the like. For example, the contentavailable at a particular website (e.g., Break.com) may be organizedinto categories including “Animal Videos”, “Animation”, “Auto Videos”,“Celebs”, “Entertainment”, “Funny Videos”, “How-to”, “Illusion”,“Military Videos”, “Movie Trailers”, “News Videos”, “Photos”, “SportsVideos”, “TV Videos”, and “Video Games”.

The provider 102 may include a distribution subsystem to provide virtualprogramming data and/or content to the receiver device 108 and/or thedisplay devices 106.1, 106.2. The virtual programming data may definecontent to be provided over a single virtual channel from the contentsources 112. The virtual programming data may be derived from actualprogramming data. The virtual programming data may, by way of an exampleinclude a content start time, a content end time, a content length, anassociated content source, and an order of the content to be presentedon a single virtual channel. The virtual programming data may be used byan EPG to present to a user available content on the virtual channel.

The provider network 104 may be a television distribution network,Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, an InternetProtocol (IP) network, a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) network,and/or a Wi-Fi network. Other networks may also be used.

The display device 106.1, 106.2, may be a television monitor, a mobiletelephone, a portable gaming device, a personal digital assistant (PDA),a computer monitor, and the like. Other types of display devices mayalso be used.

A content controller 110 may be embodied within the display device 106.1and/or the receiver device 108 to enable presentation of content throughone or more virtual channels. Examples of the receiver device 108include a set-top box (STB), a receiver card, a mobile telephone, a PDA,and a computing system; however other devices may also be used. Anexample embodiment of the content controller 110 is described in greaterdetail below.

The receiver device 108 and/or the display devices 106.1, 106.2, may becapable of presenting the content from the content sources 112 over avirtual channel in accordance with virtual programming data. The contentsources 112 may include a content provider, a remote desktop protocol(RDP) source, an Internet source, and the like.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example content controller 110 that may bedeployed in the content system 100 (see FIG. 1) and/or another system.

The content controller 110 may include a content selection receivermodule 202, a data composition module 204, a content providing module206, an electronic program guide (EPG) module 208, a request receivermodule 210, a download determination module 212, a portion requestormodule 214, a portion receiver module 216, an encryption module 218, astorage module 220, a decryption module 222, a buffer module 224, achannel selection receiver module 226, a data access module 228, acontent receiver module 230, a profile access module 232, a dataselection module 234, and/or a profile creation module 236. Othermodules may also be used.

The content selection receiver module 202 receives, from a user, acontent selection from the content sources 112. The content selectionmay be received from the EPG, remotely received (e.g., from a userinterface on a web page), or otherwise received.

The data composition module 204 composes virtual programming data for asingle virtual channel from the content selection. The content providingmodule 206 provides content (e.g., one or more portions) of the contentof the content selection over the single virtual channel in accordancewith the virtual programming data.

The EPG module 208 presents an EPG to the user and/or adds the singlevirtual channel to the EPG. The request receiver module 210 receives arequest for the single virtual channel.

The download determination module 212 determines whether a portion ofthe content is available for download from a selected content source ofthe content sources 112 prior to viewing. The portion requester module214 requests the portion of the content based on the determination madeby the download determination module 212. The portion receiver module216 receives the requested portion of the content from the selectedcontent source. The portion may be received in real-time or otherwisereceived.

The encryption module 218 encrypts the received portion of the content.The encrypted content portion may include a viewing restriction until adesignated time. The designated time may indicate when the content maybe viewed. The storage module 220 stores a content portion (e.g., anencrypted content portion). The decryption module 222 decrypts theencrypted content portion (e.g., in accordance with the designatedtime).

The buffer module 224 buffers a portion of the content received. Thechannel selection receiver module 226 receives a selection of a singlevirtual channel from the user. The data access module 228 accessesvirtual programming data for the single virtual channel. The virtualprogramming data may define content to be provided over a single virtualchannel.

The content receiver module 230 receives the content from the contentsources 112 over the provider network 104. The profile access module 232accesses a viewing profile. The data selection module 234 selects, inaccordance with the viewing profile, content for virtual programmingdata from available programming data of the content sources 112. Theprofile creation module 236 creates a viewing profile based on trackingof prior content received from the content sources 112.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example distribution subsystem 114 that may bedeployed in the content system 100 (see FIG. 1) and/or another system.

The distribution subsystem 114 may include an available data receivermodule 302, a virtual data creator module 304, a subscription dataaccess module 306, a virtual data providing module 308, a requestreceiver module 310, and/or a content provider module 312. Other modulesmay also be used.

The available data receiver module 302 receives available programmingdata from the content sources 112. The virtual data creator module 304composes virtual programming data for a single virtual channel from theavailable programming data of the content sources 112.

The subscription data access module 306 accesses virtual channelsubscription data for the virtual programming data. The virtual channelsubscription data may include identification of the one or more receiverdevices 108 and/or the one or more display devices 106.1.

The virtual data providing module 308 provides the virtual programmingdata to the one or more receiver devices 108 and/or the one or moredisplay devices 106.1 in accordance with the virtual channelsubscription data.

The request receiver module 310 receives a request for content from thecontent sources 112 in accordance with the virtual programming data. Thecontent provider module 312 provides the content in response to therequest.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 for creating a single virtual channelaccording to an example embodiment. The method 400 may be performed bythe content controller 110 of the content system 100 or otherwiseperformed.

A single virtual channel may be created to enable viewing of programmingfrom a variety of content sources 112 without changing a channelselection to receive the content from a difference content source 112.For example, one or more users of a single display device 106.1, 106.2may receive a single virtual channel specifically for that singledisplay device, (e.g., a family-friendly virtual channel may be createdfor the television in a family room of a house), a single virtualchannel may be created for a single user for multiple display devices106.1, 106.2 (e.g., for a family member for any room in a house), or thesingle virtual channel may be otherwise created. By way of an example, afirst single virtual channel may be created for a main television in ahouse and a second single virtual channel may be created for thechildren of the same house.

Content may be presented contiguously on the single virtual channelwithout requiring a user to change channels to view desired content. Theuse of the single virtual channel may increase viewership of content,increase a user's satisfaction in receiving content, and/or preventusers from missing content that the user would otherwise watch.

An EPG may be presented to the user at block 402. The EPG may includeinformation on scheduled broadcast television programs and may allow aviewer to navigate, select, and discover content by time, title,channel, and/or genre.

A content selection from the content sources 112 is received from a userat block 404. During the operations at block 404, the user may designatecontent to be included in the virtual channel by making the contentselection. The content selection may be received from the user on theEPG, through a user interface on a computing system, or otherwisereceived.

The content selection may be received from the user in a designatedorder to select the order in which the user wishes to receive thecontent. The designated order may be based on time, preference, or othercriterion.

Virtual programming data is composed for a single virtual channel fromthe content selection at block 406. The virtual programming data mayinclude selected content for a particular user, or a particular receiverdevice 108, and/or a particular display device 106.1, 106.2. The virtualprogramming data may define the order that the selected content is to bepresented on a single virtual channel from the content sources 112.

The single virtual channel may be added to the EPG at block 408. Addingthe single virtual channel to the EPG may enable a user to easily selectthe single virtual channel from among other real and virtual channels.The EPG may be represented to the user with the added single virtualchannel at block 410. A request for the single virtual channel may bereceived at block 412.

The content of the content selection is provided over the single virtualchannel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block 414.The user may view the content defined on the virtual programming datathrough the single virtual channel without changing channels on thedisplay devices 106.1, 106.2 and/or the receiver device 108. Exampleembodiments of providing the content over the single virtual channel isdescribed in greater detail below.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example user interface 500 that may be provided ona display of the display device 106.1, 106.2 in the content system 100or otherwise provided.

The user interface 500 may be provided to a user when attempting toselect a content source for a virtual channel. A page identifier 502 mayindicate to the user that a number of content sources 506.1-506.n areavailable for selection for a timeslot 502. The user may select one ofthe content sources 506.1-506.n or may make a go back selection 508 toreturn to a previous user interface.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example user interface 500 that may be provided ona display of the display device 106.1, 106.2 in the content system 100or otherwise provided.

The user interface 600 may be provided to a user when attempting to adda virtual channel to an EPG. A page identifier 602 may indicate to theuser that a number of available channel numbers 606.1-606.n areavailable for selection to a virtual channel list. The user may selectone of the channel numbers 606.1-606.n or my make a go back selection608 to return to a previous user interface.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method 700 for providing content over a singlevirtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method 700 maybe performed at block 414 (see FIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

Content of a content selection is received from the content sources 112over the provider network 104 (e.g., an Internet Protocol (IP) network)at block 702. The content of the content selection is provided over thesingle virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programming dataat block 704.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 for providing content over a singlevirtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method 800 maybe performed at block 414 (see FIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

At block 802, a determination is made of whether a portion of thecontent is available for download from a selected content source of thecontent sources 112 prior to viewing. The determination may be made whencontent is known to be available from a particular content source, if aninquiry to a content source reveals that content is available or may beotherwise made. The portion of the content is requested based on theresults of the determination at block 804. The requested portion of thecontent is received from the selected content source at block 806. Thereceived portion of the content is provided over the single virtualchannel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block 808.

FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for providing content over a singlevirtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method 900 maybe performed at block 414 (see FIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

A received portion of the content is encrypted at block 902. Theencrypted content portion may include a viewing restriction until adesignated time. The encrypted content portion is stored at block 904.At block 906, the encrypted content portion is decrypted in accordancewith the designated time. The decrypted content portion is provided overthe single virtual channel in accordance with the virtual programmingdata at block 908.

In an example embodiment, the method 900 may enable content to beprovided to the display device 106.1 and/or the receiver device 108prior to broadcast start time. Providing content in advance of broadcaststart time may reduce network congestion during peak periods.

FIG. 10 illustrates a method 1000 for providing content over a singlevirtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method 1000 maybe performed at block 414 (see FIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

At block 1002, a determination of whether a portion of the content isavailable for download from a selected content source of the contentsources 112 is made. Based on the determination, the portion of contentis requested at block 1004.

The requested portion of the content is received from the selectedcontent source at block 1006. The requested portion of the content maybe an encrypted content portion including a viewing restriction until adesignated time.

The encrypted content portion is decrypted in accordance with thedesignated time at block 1008. At block 1010, the decrypted contentportion is provided over the single virtual channel in accordance withthe virtual programming data.

FIG. 11 illustrates a method 1100 for providing content over a singlevirtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method 1100 maybe performed at block 414 (see FIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

At block 1102, a portion of the content is received from the contentsources 112. The portion of the content is stored at block 1104. Thestored portion of the content is provided over the single virtualchannel in accordance with the virtual programming data at block 1106.

In an example embodiment, the method 1100 may enable content to beprovided to the display device 106.1 and/or the receiver device 108prior to broadcast start time. Providing content in advance of broadcaststart time may reduce network congestion during peak periods.

FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200 for providing content over a singlevirtual channel according to an example embodiment. The method 1200 maybe performed at block 414 (see FIG. 4) or otherwise performed.

A partial or entire portion of the content is received in real-time fromthe content sources 112 at block 1202. At block 1204, the portion of thecontent received in-real time may be buffered. For example, the contentmay be buffered in a digital video record (DVR) associated with thedisplay device 106.1. and/or the receiver device 108.

The received portion (e.g., the buffered portion) of the content isprovided over the single virtual channel in accordance with the virtualprogramming data at block 1206.

FIG. 13 illustrates a method 1300 for utilizing a virtual channelaccording to an example embodiment. The method 1200 may be performed bythe content controller 110 in the content system 100 and/or in anothersystem.

A selection of a single virtual channel is received from the user (e.g.,through the remote control) at block 1302. The selection may be receivedon an EPG, from a user interface (e.g., on a web page) or otherwisereceived.

In an example embodiment, the virtual programming data for the singlevirtual channel may be received from the provider 102 and/or accessedfrom the display device 106.1 and/or the receiver device 108 prior tothe selection of a single virtual channel from the user.

The virtual programming data is accessed for the single virtual channelat block 1304. The virtual programming data may define the content to beprovided over the single virtual channel. The virtual programming datafor the single virtual channel may be received from the provider 102and/or the virtual programming data may be accessed from storage on thedisplay device 106.1 and/or the receiver device 108.

The content or a portion thereof may be received over the providernetwork in accordance with the virtual programming data at block 1306.The content is provided over the single virtual channel in accordancewith the virtual programming data at block 1308.

FIG. 14 illustrates a method 1400 for utilizing a virtual channelaccording to an example embodiment. The method 1400 may be performed bythe content controller 110 in the content system 100 and/or in anothersystem.

A viewing profile is accessed at block 1402. The viewing profile mayinclude identification of programs set to record, programs set fordownload, previously recorded programs, stored programs, and/or favoritechannels. Identification of other program designations may also be used.

The viewing profile, by way of example, may be created prior to accessbased on tracking of prior content received from the plurality ofcontent sources. The viewing profile may, in an example embodiment becreated by accessing a record of favorite programming content andcreating the viewing profile based on the record of favorite programmingcontent.

Content is selected for virtual programming in accordance with theviewing profile from available programming of the one or more contentsources 112 at block 1404.

The content may be selected by accessing a content selection criterionand selecting content from the content sources 112 in accordance withthe viewing profile and the content selection criterion. The contentselection criterion may include, by way of example, a rating of thecontent, a person involved with the content, and/or an originator of thecontent. Other content selection criterion may also be used.

At block 1406, the virtual programming data is automatically composedfor a single virtual channel from the selection of the content inaccordance with the viewing profile. The content may be received fromthe content sources 112 over the provider network 104 (e.g., an IPnetwork) at block 1408. The content is provided over the single channelin accordance with the selected virtual programming at block 1410.

FIG. 15 illustrates a method 1500 for data distribution according to anexample embodiment. The method 1500 may be performed by the distributionsubsystem 114 in the content system 100 and/or in another system.

Available programming data may be received from one or more of thecontent sources 112 at block 1502. At block 1504, virtual programmingdata may be composed for a single virtual channel from the availableprogramming data of the content sources 112.

Virtual channel subscription data may be accessed for the virtualprogramming data at block 1506. The virtual channel subscription datamay include identification of one or more receiver devices 108 and/ordisplay devices 106.1.

At block 1508, the virtual programming data may be provided to the oneor more receiver devices 108 and/or display devices 106.1 identified onthe virtual channel subscription data.

A request for content from the content sources 112 in accordance withthe virtual programming data may be received at block 1510. The contentmay be provided in response to the request at block 1512.

FIG. 16 illustrates an example embodiment of an Internet ProtocolTelevision (IPTV) system 1600 in which the content system 100 may bedeployed. However, the content systems 100 may be deployed in othertypes of IPTV and non-IPTV video systems.

The system 1600 as illustrated may include a client facing tier 1602, anapplication tier 1604, an acquisition tier 1606, and an operations andmanagement tier 1608. Each tier 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608 is coupled to aprivate network 1610; to a public network 1612, such as the Internet; orto both the private network 1610 and the public network 1612. Forexample, the client-facing tier 1602 may be coupled to the privatenetwork 1610. Further, the application tier 1604 may be coupled to theprivate network 1610 and to the public network 1612. The acquisitiontier 1606 may also be coupled to the private network 1610 and to thepublic network 1612. Additionally, the operations and management tier1608 may be coupled to the public network 1612.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the various tiers 1602, 1604, 1606, 1608communicate with each other via the private network 1610 and the publicnetwork 1612. For instance, the client-facing tier 1602 may communicatewith the application tier 1604 and the acquisition tier 1606 via theprivate network 1610. The application tier 1604 may also communicatewith the acquisition tier 1606 via the private network 1610. Further,the application tier 1604 may communicate with the acquisition tier 1606and the operations and management tier 1608 via the public network 1612.Moreover, the acquisition tier 1606 may communicate with the operationsand management tier 1608 via the public network 1612. In a particularembodiment, elements of the application tier 1604, including, but notlimited to, a client gateway 1650, may communicate directly with theclient-facing tier 1602.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the client-facing tier 1602 may communicatewith user equipment via a private access network 1666 (e.g., theprovider network 104 of FIG. 1), such as an Internet Protocol Television(IPTV) access network. In an illustrative embodiment, modems, such as afirst modem 1614 and a second modem 1622 may be coupled to the privateaccess network 1666. The client-facing tier 1602 may communicate with afirst representative set-top box device 1616 via the first modem 1614and with a second representative set-top box device 1624 via the secondmodem 1622. The client-facing tier 1602 may communicate with a largenumber of set-top boxes, such as the representative set-top boxes 1616,1624, (e.g., the receiver device 108 of FIG. 1) over a wide geographicarea, such as a regional area, a metropolitan area, a viewing area, adesignated market area or any other suitable geographic area, marketarea, or subscriber or customer group that may be supported bynetworking the client-facing tier 1602 to numerous set-top box devices.In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier, or any portionthereof, may be included at a video head-end office.

In a particular embodiment, the client-facing tier 1602 may be coupledto the modems 1614, 1622 via fiber optic cables. Alternatively, themodems 1614 and 1622 may be digital subscriber line (DSL) modems thatare coupled to one or more network nodes via twisted pairs, and theclient-facing tier 1602 may be coupled to the network nodes viafiber-optic cables. Each set-top box device 1616, 1624 may process datareceived via the private access network 1666, via an IPTV softwareplatform, such as Microsoft® TV IPTV Edition. In another embodiment,representative set-top boxes 1616, 1624 may receive data from privateaccess network 1666 through RF and other cable and/or satellite-basednetworks.

Additionally, the first set-top box device 1616 may be coupled to afirst external display device, such as a first television monitor 1618,and the second set-top box device 1624 may be coupled to a secondexternal display device, such as a second television monitor 1626 (e.g.,the display device 106.1, 106.2, of FIG. 1). Moreover, the first set-topbox device 1616 may communicate with a first remote control 1620, andthe second set-top box device may communicate with a second remotecontrol 1628.

In an example, non-limiting embodiment, each set-top box device 1616,1624 may receive video content, which may include video and audioportions, from the client-facing tier 1602 via the private accessnetwork 1666. The set-top boxes 1616, 1624 may transmit the videocontent to an external display device, such as the television monitors1618, 1626. Further, the set-top box devices 1616, 1624 may each includea STB processor, such as STB processor 1670, and a STB memory device,such as STB memory 1672, which is accessible to the STB processor 1670.In one embodiment, a computer program, such as the STB computer program1674, may be embedded within the STB memory device 1672. Each set-topbox device 1616, 1624 may also include a video content storage module,such as a digital video recorder (DVR) 1676. In a particular embodiment,the set-top box devices 1616, 1624 may communicate commands receivedfrom the remote-control devices 1620, 1628 to the client-facing tier1602 via the private access network 1666.

In an illustrative embodiment, the client-facing tier 1602 may include aclient-facing tier (CFT) switch 1630 that manages communication betweenthe client-facing tier 1602 and the private access network 1666 andbetween the client-facing tier 1602 and the private network 1610. Asshown, the CFT switch 1630 is coupled to one or more image and dataservers 1632 that store still images associated with programs of variousIPTV channels. The image and data servers 1632 may also store datarelated to various channels, e.g., types of data related to the channelsand to programs or video content displayed via the channels. In anillustrative embodiment, the image and data servers 1632 may be acluster of servers, each of which may store still images, channel andprogram-related data, or any combination thereof. The CFT switch 1630may also be coupled to a terminal server 1634 that provides terminaldevices with a connection point to the private network 1610. In aparticular embodiment, the CFT switch 1630 may also be coupled to one ormore video-on-demand (VOD) servers 1636 that store or provide VODcontent imported by the IPTV system 1600. In an illustrative,non-limiting embodiment, the VOD content servers 1680 may include one ormore unicast servers.

The client-facing tier 1602 may also include one or more video contentservers 1680 that transmit video content requested by viewers via theirset-top boxes 1616, 1624. In an illustrative, non-limiting embodiment,the video content servers 1680 may include one or more multicastservers.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the application tier 1604 may communicatewith both the private network 1610 and the public network 1612. Theapplication tier 1604 may include a first application tier (APP) switch1638 and a second APP switch 1640. In a particular embodiment, the firstAPP switch 1638 may be coupled to the second APP switch 1640. The firstAPP switch 1638 may be coupled to an application server 1642 and to anOSS/BSS gateway 1644. In a particular embodiment, the application server1642 may provide applications to the set-top box devices 1616, 1624 viathe private access network 1666, which enable the set-top box devices1616, 1624 to provide functions, such as display, messaging, processingof IPTV data and VOD material, etc. In a particular embodiment, theOSS/BSS gateway 1644 includes operation systems and support (OSS) data,as well as billing systems and support (BSS) data. In one embodiment,the OSS/BSS gateway may provide or restrict access to an OSS/BSS server1664 that stores operations and billing systems data.

Further, the second APP switch 1640 may be coupled to a domaincontroller 1646 that provides web access, for example, to users via thepublic network 1612. For example, the domain controller 1646 may provideremote web access to IPTV account information via the public network1612, which users may access using their personal computers 1668. Thesecond APP switch 1640 may be coupled to a subscriber and system store1648 that includes account information, such as account information thatis associated with users who access the system 1600 via the privatenetwork 1610 or the public network 1612. In a particular embodiment, theapplication tier 1604 may also include a client gateway 1650 thatcommunicates data directly with the client-facing tier 1602. In thisembodiment, the client gateway 1650 may be coupled directly to the CFTswitch 1630. The client gateway 1650 may provide user access to theprivate network 1610 and the tiers coupled thereto.

In a particular embodiment, the set-top box devices 1616, 1624 mayaccess the IPTV system 1600 via the private access network 1666, usinginformation received from the client gateway 1650. In this embodiment,the private access network 1666 may provide security for the privatenetwork 1610. User devices may access the client gateway 1650 via theprivate access network 1666, and the client gateway 1650 may allow suchdevices to access the private network 1610 once the devices areauthenticated or verified. Similarly, the client gateway 1650 mayprevent unauthorized devices, such as hacker computers or stolen set-topbox devices from accessing the private network 1610, by denying accessto these devices beyond the private access network 1666.

For example, when the first representative set-top box device 1616accesses the system 1600 via the private access network 1666, the clientgateway 1650 may verify subscriber information by communicating with thesubscriber and system store 1648 via the private network 1610, the firstAPP switch 1638, and the second APP switch 1640. Further, the clientgateway 1650 may verify billing information and status by communicatingwith the OSS/BSS gateway 1644 via the private network 1610 and the firstAPP switch 1638. In one embodiment, the OSS/BSS gateway 1644 maytransmit a query across the first APP switch 1638, to the second APPswitch 1640, and the second APP switch 1640 may communicate the queryacross the public network 1612 to the OSS/BSS server 1664. After theclient gateway 1650 confirms subscriber and/or billing information, theclient gateway 1650 may allow the set-top box device 1616 access to IPTVcontent and VOD content. If the client gateway 1650 is unable to verifysubscriber information for the set-top box device 1616, e.g., because itis connected to an unauthorized twisted pair, the client gateway 1650may block transmissions to and from the set-top box device 1616 beyondthe private access network 1666.

As indicated in FIG. 16, the acquisition tier 1606 includes anacquisition tier (AQT) switch 1652 that communicates with the privatenetwork 1610. The AQT switch 1652 may also communicate with theoperations and management tier 1608 via the public network 1612. In aparticular embodiment, the AQT switch 1652 may be coupled to a liveacquisition server 1654 that receives television or movie content, forexample, from content sources 1656 through an encoder 1655. In aparticular embodiment during operation of the IPTV system, the liveacquisition server 1654 may acquire television or movie content. Thelive acquisition server 1654 may transmit the television or moviecontent to the AQT switch 1652 and the AQT switch 1652 may transmit thetelevision or movie content to the CFT switch 1630 via the privatenetwork 1610.

Further, the television or movie content may be transmitted to the videocontent servers 1680, where it may be encoded, formatted, stored, orotherwise manipulated and prepared for communication to the set-top boxdevices 1616, 1624. The CFT switch 1630 may communicate the televisionor movie content to the modems 1614, 1622 via the private access network1666. The set-top box devices 1616, 1624 may receive the television ormovie content via the modems 1614, 1622, and may transmit the televisionor movie content to the television monitors 1618, 1626. In anillustrative embodiment, video or audio portions of the television ormovie content may be streamed to the set-top box devices 1616, 1624.

Further, the AQT switch may be coupled to a video-on-demand importerserver 1658 that stores television or movie content received at theacquisition tier 1606 and communicates the stored content to the VODserver 1636 at the client-facing tier 1602 via the private network 1610.Additionally, at the acquisition tier 1606, the video-on-demand (VOD)importer server 1658 may receive content from one or more VOD sourcesoutside the IPTV system 1600, such as movie studios and programmers ofnon-live content. The VOD importer server 1658 may transmit the VODcontent to the AQT switch 1652, and the AQT switch 1652, in turn, maycommunicate the material to the CFT switch 1630 via the private network1610. The VOD content may be stored at one or more servers, such as theVOD server 1636.

When user issue requests for VOD content via the set-top box devices1616, 1624, the requests may be transmitted over the private accessnetwork 1666 to the VOD server 1636, via the CFT switch 1630. Uponreceiving such requests, the VOD server 1636 may retrieve the requestedVOD content and transmit the content to the set-top box devices 1616,1624 across the private access network 1666, via the CFT switch 1630.The set-top box devices 1616, 1624 may transmit the VOD content to thetelevision monitors 1618, 1626. In an illustrative embodiment, video oraudio portions of VOD content may be streamed to the set-top box devices1616, 1624.

FIG. 16 further illustrates that the operations and management tier 1608may include an operations and management tier (OMT) switch 1660 thatconducts communication between the operations and management tier 1608and the public network 1612. In the embodiment illustrated by FIG. 16,the OMT switch 1660 is coupled to a TV2 server 1662. Additionally, theOMT switch 1660 may be coupled to an OSS/BSS server 1664 and to a simplenetwork management protocol (SNMP) monitor 1678 that monitors networkdevices within or coupled to the IPTV system 1600. In a particularembodiment, the OMT switch 1660 may communicate with the AQT switch 1652via the public network 1612.

In an illustrative embodiment, the live acquisition server 1654 maytransmit the television or movie content to the AQT switch 1652, and theAQT switch 1652, in turn, may transmit the television or movie contentto the OMT switch 1660 via the public network 1612. In this embodiment,the OMT switch 1660 may transmit the television or movie content to theTV2 server 1662 for display to users accessing the user interface at theTV2 server 1662. For example, a user may access the TV2 server 1662using a personal computer (PC) 1668 coupled to the public network 1612.

FIG. 17 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exampleform of a computer system 1700 within which a set of instructions may beexecuted causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methods,processes, operations, or methodologies discussed herein. The provider102, the receiver device 108, and/or the display device 106.1, 106.2(see FIG. 1) may include the functionality of the computer system 1700.

In an example embodiment, the machine operates as a standalone device ormay be connected (e.g., networked) to other machines. In a networkeddeployment, the machine may operate in the capacity of a server or aclient machine in server-client network environment, or as a peermachine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed) network environment. Themachine may be a server computer, a client computer, a personal computer(PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance, a network router, switchor bridge, or any machine capable of executing a set of instructions(sequential or otherwise) that specify actions to be taken by thatmachine. Further, while only a single machine is illustrated, the term“machine” shall also be taken to include any collection of machines thatindividually or jointly execute a set (or multiple sets) of instructionsto perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 1700 includes a processor 1702 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both),a main memory 1704 and a static memory 1706, which communicate with eachother via a bus 1708. The computer system 1700 may further include avideo display unit 1710 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or acathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 1700 also includes analphanumeric input device 1712 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 1714 (e.g., a mouse), a drive unit 1716, a signal generationdevice 1718 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device 1720.

The drive unit 1716 includes a machine-readable medium 1722 on which isstored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 1724) embodyingany one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Thesoftware 1724 may also reside, completely or at least partially, withinthe main memory 1704 and/or within the processor 1702 during executionthereof by the computer system 1700, the main memory 1704 and theprocessor 1702 also constituting machine-readable media.

The software 1724 may further be transmitted or received over a network1726 via the network interface device 1720.

While the machine-readable medium 1722 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring a set of instructions for execution by the machine and thatcause the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologies of thepresent invention. The term “machine-readable medium” shall accordinglybe taken to include, but not be limited to, solid-state memories,optical and magnetic media.

Certain systems, apparatus, applications or processes are describedherein as including a number of modules or mechanisms. A module or amechanism may be a unit of distinct functionality that can provideinformation to, and receive information from, other modules.Accordingly, the described modules may be regarded as beingcommunicatively coupled. Modules may also initiate communication withinput or output devices, and can operate on a resource (e.g., acollection of information). The modules be implemented as hardwarecircuitry, optical components, single or multi-processor circuits,memory circuits, software program modules and objects, firmware, andcombinations thereof, as appropriate for particular implementations ofvarious embodiments.

Thus, methods and systems for providing content have been described.Although the present invention has been described with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: determining, by aprocessing system including a processor, whether a first portion ofcontent associated with a first virtual channel according to a viewingprofile is available for presentation at a first display device of apremises before a first broadcast start time; and providing, by theprocessing system to the first display device, the first portion of thecontent over the first virtual channel before the first broadcast starttime, wherein the first display device encrypts the first portion of thecontent until the first broadcast start time.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the content includes a commercial.
 3. The method of claim 1,further comprising: accessing a content selection criterion; andselecting the content from a plurality of content sources in accordancewith the viewing profile and the content selection criterion.
 4. Themethod of claim 3, wherein the content selection criterion includes arating of the content, an individual presented in the content, anoriginator of the content, or a combination thereof.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, comprising associating a second portion of the content with asecond virtual channel for presentation at a second display device inthe premises, and providing the second portion of the content prior to asecond broadcast start time.
 6. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising receiving, by the processing system, the first portion of thecontent in real-time, and wherein the providing further comprisesproviding the first portion of the content in real-time over the firstvirtual channel.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the providing of thefirst portion of the content further comprises: buffering the firstportion of the content received in real-time, resulting in a bufferedportion; and providing the buffered portion over the first virtualchannel.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first display device is amobile telephone.
 9. A non-transitory, machine-readable medium,comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingsystem including a processor, facilitate performance of operations, theoperations comprising: determining, by the processing system, whether afirst portion of content associated with a first virtual channelaccording to a user profile is available for presentation at a firstdisplay device of a premises before a first broadcast start time; andproviding, by the processing system to the first display device, thefirst portion of the content over the first virtual channel before thefirst broadcast start time, wherein the first portion of the content isencrypted by the first display device until the first broadcast starttime.
 10. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9,wherein the user profile comprises a history of previously viewedcontent.
 11. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9,wherein the operations further comprise: accessing a content selectioncriterion; and selecting the content from a plurality of content sourcesin accordance with the user profile and the content selection criterion.12. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 11, wherein thecontent selection criterion includes a rating of the content, anindividual presented in the content, an originator of the content, or acombination thereof.
 13. The non-transitory, machine-readable medium ofclaim 9, comprising associating a second portion of the content with asecond virtual channel for presentation at a second display device inthe premises, and providing the second portion of the content prior to asecond broadcast start time.
 14. The non-transitory, machine-readablemedium of claim 9, further comprising receiving, by the processingsystem, the first portion of the content in real-time, and wherein theproviding further comprises providing the first portion of the contentin real-time over the first virtual channel.
 15. The non-transitory,machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the providing of the firstportion of the content further comprises: buffering the first portion ofthe content received in real-time, resulting in a buffered portion; andproviding the buffered portion over the first virtual channel.
 16. Thenon-transitory, machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the firstdisplay device is a mobile telephone.
 17. A device, comprising: aprocessing system including a processor; and a memory storing executableinstructions that, when executed by the processing system, performoperations comprising: determining whether a first portion of contentassociated with a first virtual channel according to a viewing profileis available for presentation at a first display device of a premisesbefore a first broadcast start time; and providing, to the first displaydevice, the first portion of the content over the first virtual channelbefore the first broadcast start time, wherein the first portion of thecontent is encrypted by the first display device until the firstbroadcast start time.
 18. The device of claim 17, wherein the viewingprofile comprises a history of previously viewed content.
 19. The deviceof claim 17, wherein the operations further comprise: accessing acontent selection criterion; and selecting the content from a pluralityof content sources in accordance with the viewing profile and thecontent selection criterion.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein thecontent selection criterion includes a rating of the content, anindividual presented in the content, an originator of the content, or acombination thereof.